Crimson Glory were originally formed in 1982 in Sarasota, Florida, under the name Beowulf, by guitarist Jon Drenning, guitarist Ben Jackson, and bassist Jeff Lords. In 1986 they released their self-titled debut album and grew to become one of the leading and most influential progressive metal bands ever. After a brief tour in the US, following their 3rd album, the band members went their separate ways taking a hiatus to pursue other musical interests. Towards the end of 1996, the band's primary songwriters, Jon and Jeff, knew it was time to reunite and make another Crimson Glory record. 1999 saw the release of the comeback album. They had recruited a new vocalist, ex-Lucian Black front man, Wade Black, and ex-Savatage drummer, Steve Wacholz. But during the following tour troubles once again resurfaced, and when returning to the US the band again went their separate ways. Ben Jackson and Wade Black teamed up in late 2000 for the short lived Sector 9 band doing only a couple live shows before Ben decided to return to his solo artist status. Wade ventured of to record one album with Seven Witches. Midnight resurfaced with a new acoustic EP, simply titled 'M', in late 2001 which was independently released through his website only. Midnights old demons began to resurface and his reclusive nature took hold and he once again went MIA. Ben Jackson launched a website in 2001 as well to support his Ben Jackson Group release titled 'Here I Come', as well as a Jeff Lords release called 'G-Lock', released in 2003. The 'classic' line-up agreed a reunion near the end of 2005. Midnight, however, was replaced by Wade Black for the second time at the beginning of 2007 following substance abuse problems that led to him being arrested for drunk driving (with a suspended license, no less). A new album called 'Metatron, Lucifer and the Divine Chaos' had been planned, but was soon shelved after the collapse of Black Lotus records.

CRIMSON GLORY (1986, 2008) METAL MIND/ROADRUNNER (#599/2000)

The first time I heard this album I had not really heard about the band before. I just borrowed it from a friend, and wanted to check out some "new" stuff. At first I wasn't too impressed with the singer. Suffice to say, it didn't take me long to appreciate this talented voice. Midnight is now one of my all time favorite vocalists, so how this escaped me at first is beyond me now. Crimson Glory is technically a progressive metal band. But they are not more progressive than say early Fates Warning or Queensrÿche. The music on this debut is outstanding, absolutely one of the best metal albums ever released. The music is, as is the case with most metal bands, based around the guitar-work of Jon Drenning, and the vocals from already mentioned, Midnight. But all the musicians in Crimson Glory are amazingly talented. The band had their own sound from get go, and with great production on their debut album, they had a strong and very professional send-off. Imagine, if you will, music that is both melancholic and powerful at the same time. There is even hint of futuristic touches, in lack of a better description. Midnight's vocals go from high-pitched and wailing to twisted and "insane" in the blink of an eye. Always powerful, never missing a note. The songwriting is varied, and all of the arrangements are very well thought through. The 2008 reissue on Metal Mind delivers digitally remastered sound, giving all the instruments a clear and present space in the sound picture. Added to this digi-pack issue is also the 'Dream Dancer' tune, previously only available on the 1986 'Dream Dancer' single, or on the 1988 'Lonely' single. 'Crimson Glory' quickly became one of my top 10 all time favorite album.

Killer tracks: All of them.

TRANSCENDENCE (1988, 2008) METAL MIND/ROADRUNNER (#656/2000)

Truly an amazing record! Crimson Glory managed to put out two over-the-top albums in a row, and not one dull song on either of them. Tell me another band from the who's done just that?! Crimson Glory just had that "it", you know? Fabulous songs, a great singer (with a very unique signature voice), and memorable songs. I'm sure the image with the silver masks didn't hear either. It definitely worked well with their Sci-Fi oriented lyrics. 'Transcendence' delivers unbelievably catchy tunes, backed up by killer riffs  and well-crafted songwriting. It's really not fair to point out specific songs from this album, but 'Painted Skies' and 'In Dark Places' are my favorites. I miss this band the way they sounded here. And it's too bad that the reunion scheduled for 2007 panned out, due to Midnight getting arrested for DUI. I own the digitally remastered Metal Mind digi-pack reissue of this classic. It comes with a remixed version of the single track, "Lonely", as a bonus.

Killer tracks: They are all killer tracks!!

STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL (1991)  ROADRUNNER

Completely different sound. They dropped the silver masks for this one, and the cover sucks. The sound is kinda like White Lion and Firehouse, but still a bit more progressive and heavy. I haven't listened to this album all that much. But I like it so far, just not as much as the other Crimson Glory-albums. 

Killer tracks: The Chant, Strange and Beautiful

ASTRONOMICA (1999) RISING SUN (Limited Edition 2-CD)

Crimson Glory return as a power metal monster. New vocalist (Wade Black) and ex-Savatage's Dr. Killdrum (Steve Wacholz) also join the ranks. This album is full of crunching riffs and power metal supreme. It's not like the good old Crimson Glory, but it works! So now this band have changed once more, but still deliver the goods. I've own the double digi-pack version, and it's a cool item. There could have been a few more songs on the second disc, though. But it's great to hear Midnight in a live recording.

Killer tracks: Astronomica, War Of The Worlds

WAR OF THE WORLDS (1999) RISING SUN (SHAPED PICTURE EP)

What a cool collector's item! All the tracks differ from previously released material, and the CD itself is a shaped picture EP. The live tracks doesn't have the best sound in the world, but it's still cool to have some classic Crimson Glory, with Midnight, live on CD. It's also very cool that none of the tracks on the Special Edition of 'Astronomica' are featured here, but only "new" material. Finally got the thing scanned, to include it here.

Steve Wacholz guest appearances:

Jon Oliva's Pain - ''Tag Mahal'

Related artists:

Savatage, Seven Witches